12/20 Devils vs. Predators: 3 Things We Learned
by Julie Robenhymer / newjerseydevils.com
The Devils lost their seventh straight game with a 5-1 final against Nashville and the lone goal from Sergey Kalinin - his first of the season. Here's what we learned:
1) The Predators got out to an early two goal lead and the Devils never recovered. The strong play we saw the past two games simply wasn't as strong tonight and Kyle Palmieri admitted they had no excuse for it, especially with a day off on Monday. "We should have been ready to go and, for whatever reason, we weren't. They jumped all over us and we didn't have an answer. It's disappointing and frustrating."
2) If you don't like their record this month or their position in the standings, stop reading right now because their special teams numbers are not pretty. Over the past five games, the Devils are 1-14 (7.1%) with the man advantage, while allowing two shorthanded goals, and are just 71.4% effective on the penalty kill, allowing four power play goals. If you're looking for a bright spot...they did notch a shorthanded goal in Sunday's game against the Rangers.
3) After the game, head coach John Hynes was asked if there were any positives he can take from this game. His answer, "No." Pretty sure there will be some long, hard looks in the mirror when they review the video of this one.
The Devils will practice on Wednesday and host the Flyers on Thursday at Prudential Center in the first half of a back-to-back before the holiday break.